Tag: Herbal compounds

Berberine has been used in traditional medicine for over 3,000 years, extracted from plants in the *Berberis* genus. As with many herbal compounds, the term 'natural' can be misleading when discussing supplements; for example, the most bioavailable form of berberine may not be the one in its rawest state.

Scientific studies show that ginger extract effectively inhibits the growth of various pathogenic fungi, including certain Candida and Aspergillus species. This potent activity is attributed to several bioactive compounds found in ginger's rhizome, which have shown promising results as natural antifungal agents.

Scientific research confirms the presence of linalool in the volatile oil components of ginger. Yes, ginger contains linalool, though its concentration and prominence can vary depending on the variety and processing method.

Over the last three decades, interest in *Tribulus terrestris* has grown significantly, particularly for its active substances. This small leafy plant contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, with steroidal saponins being the most prominent and studied group. Understanding what tribulus contains is key to appreciating its traditional uses and modern applications.

A 2022 review published in *Food Chemistry* explicitly states that the tea plant, *Camellia sinensis*, contains a variety of bioactive components, including saponins. These compounds are responsible for the light foam you might notice when whisking matcha or brewing certain teas, a characteristic derived from their natural surfactant properties.